Regulatory Modernization Must Adapt to COVID-19 Realties

(Toronto – October 6th, 2020) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce released the following statement in response to the Ontario government’s plan to reduce red tape for businesses to assist them in recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.

“Ontario is currently the most regulated province in Canada. It is more important than ever that our regulatory environment evolves so that it both maintains public health and encourages economic prosperity.

“We look forward to reviewing the legislation being introduced today and thank Minister Sarkaria for his continued work and dedication to cutting red tape and supporting small business.

“The data contained in this year’s Ontario Economic Report confirmed what the OCC has long advocated for: small businesses are ready to embrace digital government and would benefit from a regulatory ‘concierge service’ to assist small businesses in understanding, navigating, and achieving compliance with regulatory requirements. We look forward to further details regarding the Single Window small business service and working with the government on this to support small business.

“We’re also pleased to see the government move forward with the following initiatives our members have been calling for:

• Requiring all ministries to limit the additional red tape by creating obligations for all of Ontario’s ministries to follow when creating new legislation, regulations, policies, and forms. Principles include adopting international/national standards where possible, streamlining compliance for small businesses, using electronic processes, and taking a risk-based approach to compliance.
• Streamlining development approvals and permitting processes for housing and industrial sectors.
• Simplifying the reporting requirements and other administrative burdens on post-secondary institutions.

“With both new and old regulations, it is important to take an outcomes-based approach and allow for more flexibility in how outcomes are achieved. During a period of economic recovery, the private sector’s tendency to innovate will be at its peak, and an agile approach to regulation will ensure that government avoids erecting unnecessary barriers to economic growth.

“Additionally, many temporary regulatory improvements that were introduced during the pandemic should be made permanent to support economic growth. This includes allowing restaurants to deliver alcohol online, allowing e-commerce options for legal cannabis retailers, and extending commercial patio spaces.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Ceara Copps – Edwards, Manager, Public Affairs, cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca| Mobile: (647) 936-6734